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The Carolina Panthers are overwhelming favourites to win Super Bowl 50 on Sunday.

Much of the advantage is because of Cam Newton, who became the first quarterback in NFL history to throw for 35 touchdowns and rush for 10 more in one season while leading Carolina to a 15-1 record.

Manning, at 39, will be the oldest quarterback in history to start a Super Bowl. Yet Manning is a thinking man’s quarterback and has shown that, although his physical skills have declined, he can still read defences better than anybody.

Here’s a closer look at how the Super Bowl contenders match up.

QUARTERBACKS

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Cam Newton is confident and why shouldn’t he be? He is a dual threat as a runner and passer, with a mix of arm strength, foot speed and agility. Peyton Manning’s throws have looked ragged, but he’s great at managing the game. This could be the last game of his career and Manning will be motivated to go out on top, just like Broncos general manager John Elway did. But Manning is coming off his worst season as a pro and is criticized for throwing interceptions at inopportune times. He’ll need to pick his spots.

Advantage: Panthers

OFFENCE

Newton is a weapon all to himself. But he also has a great receiver in tight end Greg Olsen, who was the Panthers’ leading receiver with 1,104 yards. After Olsen, there is a drop-off. Ted Ginn Jr., for all his speed, has had issues with dropped passes. A strong offensive line has kept Newton clean most of the year, resulting in just 33 sacks. The Broncos offence is led by sure-handed receivers Demaryius Thomas, Emmanuel Sanders, Jordan Norwood, Bennie Fowler and Owen Daniels.

Advantage: Panthers

DEFENCE

The Broncos defence is led by outside linebackers DeMarcus Ware and Von Miller. The pass-rushing duo gave Tom Brady nightmares in the AFC championship game. Wade Phillips’ defence also boasts the quickest corners in the game in Aqib Talib and Chris Harris, as well as athletic safeties in T.J. Ward and Darian Stewart. Carolina’s defence isn’t too far behind. The Panthers have a disruptive force in defensive tackle Kawann Short and perhaps the best defensive back in the league in Josh Norman. Still, the secondary is a little suspect, giving up 295-plus passing yards five different times this season. The Panthers are aggressive. They were plus-20 in turnover ratio in the regular season, and plus-eight in their two playoff wins.

Advantage: Broncos

SPECIAL TEAMS

Denver’s Brandon McManus is among the most reliable distance field-goal kickers in the NFL. Including the playoffs, he’s 15-for-20 from 40 yards away, and he’s made seven from 50 or longer. Carolina’s Graham Gano attempted just four field goals from beyond 50 during the regular season, making two. Neither team has a distinct advantage when it comes to the punting game. The Panthers’ Brad Nortman and the Broncos’ Britton Colquitt are solid, but not spectacular. In the punt return game, give the advantage to Carolina’s Ginn Jr., who was fifth in the league in average yards per return with 10.3 Expect plenty of touchbacks on kickoffs, so kickoff returns will not be a factor.

Advantage: Broncos

INTANGIBLES

It’s tough to argue the success of either head coach. Carolina’s Ron Rivera has led the Panthers to three straight division titles and is one loss from a perfect season. Denver’s Gary Kubiak hasn’t been afraid to bench Manning, or return him as the starter, and he’s had the support of his players . . . Manning’s game preparation is second to none. And count on Manning to talk to brother Eli about how he threw four touchdown passes and put up 35 points on Carolina late in the season . . . If Manning struggles, Denver can always go back to Brock Osweiler, who made seven starts while Manning dealt with a foot injury. Osweiler completed 62 per cent of his passes, with nine touchdowns and five interceptions . . . Newton’s backup is Derek Anderson, who has thrown only six passes all season, completing four for 36 yards.

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